Spanish Residency and NIE
How to become an official resident
Even if you don’t need a visa for staying in Spain, you might want to consider getting a NIE and a tarjata de residencia. These will make you a legal resident in Spain and are useful more many transactions.
The Tarjeta de Residencia is a card incorporating your NIE, your personal details and a photograph/fingerprint. It is necessary for transactions where someone wants to see a proof of your current physical address in Spain (i.e. in local video rentals, banks etc.). The Tarjeta is valid for five years and must then be renewed. Non-EU applicants are granted an initial Residencia for one year, which is usually extended to five years on renewal.
A NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is a number the immigration service issues once you obtain residency (you will find the number on your Residency Card). This is your identification number in Spain. It is needed in order to file taxes, establish a business, open a bank account, and for almost all other forms you fill out. Both EU citizens and non-EU citizens get issued a NIE.
How to apply for residencia
How to Become an Official Resident
Even if you don’t need a visa to stay in Spain, you might want to consider obtaining a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) and a Tarjeta de Residencia. These will make you a legal resident in Spain and are useful for many transactions.
The Tarjeta de Residencia is a card that incorporates your NIE, personal details, and a photograph/fingerprint. It is necessary for transactions requiring proof of your current physical address in Spain (e.g., local video rentals, banks, etc.). The Tarjeta is typically valid for five years and must be renewed. Non-EU applicants are often granted an initial Residencia for one year, which can usually be extended to five years upon renewal.
A NIE is a unique identification number issued by the immigration service. This number is found on your Residency Card and is essential for filing taxes, establishing a business, opening a bank account, and almost all official forms. Both EU and non-EU citizens are issued a NIE.
How to Apply for Residencia
To obtain your residency and NIE, you need to apply at the nearest Oficina de Extranjeros. You should receive your Tarjeta de Residencia in a few weeks, although the process can sometimes take several months.
Processing times can vary significantly depending on the local Oficina de Extranjeros, so it’s helpful to ask others who have recently applied about their experiences.
A complete list of Oficinas de Extranjeros is available on the website of the Ministerio del Interior: www.interior.gob.es.
Note that the NIE can often be processed faster than the physical Tarjeta de Residencia, as it is issued before the card itself. If you are in a hurry, it may be beneficial to apply separately for the NIE and the Tarjeta.
Documents Needed for Application
Below are some documents you’ll likely need to bring to apply for residency. Requirements can vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local Oficina for specific needs.
Documents typically needed by all applicants (EU and non-EU citizens):
Current passport and one photocopy
Three recent passport-sized photos with your name clearly written on the back
Completed application form, plus three photocopies of it
Additional documents that might be requested:
A medical certificate (depending on country of origin and recent residency)
If a family member is Spanish (or has residency):
Your Libro de Familia and the DNI (or Residency Card) of that family member
Empadronamiento (registration certificate)
Medical insurance
For specific circumstances:
If you will be working: a contract of employment.
If you will be self-employed: documents proving you meet the necessary requirements for that activity.
If you will not be working: proof of sufficient funds to live in Spain, plus medical insurance.
If you are studying in Spain: proof of enrollment in an accredited institution, plus documents proving you have sufficient funds and medical insurance.
Renewing Your Residency
You will not receive a reminder when your Residencia needs renewal, so it’s your responsibility to check and ensure this is done on time. To renew your Residencia, you will likely need the following documents:
Two passport photos
Original Tarjeta de Residencia + one photocopy
Original passport + one photocopy
Relevant completed application form + three photocopies
Be aware that exact documentation may vary based on your legal status in Spain. Additional documents might include:
Residency visa or its extension (necessary for non-EU citizens)
A medical certificate